Depot Construction Essential for 125 Group Acquiring HST

125 Group confirmed today (11th September) that it had taken its first steps in readiness for obtaining a High Speed Train (HST). The announcement was made as the group confirmed that £37,448.58 has so far been raised for its HST Depot Appeal. The group needs to raise £100,000 to build a HST Depot at their base at Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

With the group over a third of the way towards meeting the £100k price tag, building companies have been engaged and plans are currently in development. Production HST power cars are likely to become available in the near future, and 125 Group needs to construct a depot building to properly house and maintain these important vehicles before they are acquired.

The structure is needed to protect their growing fleet from the elements, as well as provide a dedicated under-cover space for volunteers to carry out preservation work. 125 Group recently purchased Mk3 catering vehicle 10202 from Arriva. The carriage is being restored for use on service trains at GCR(N) and has already successfully run over 140 miles on test. 10202 will be used when regular buffet 10206 is under maintenance, profits from on-board catering are a valuable part of the group’s income.

Gary Heelas, 125 Group Chairman, said:

“We’ve been blown away by the fantastic start to our depot appeal. To raise so much in such a short time is a testament to our dedicated members and generous supporters. Without a depot, we will have nowhere to protect any future HST vehicles that we acquire, and going without simply isn’t an option.”